Abstract
This paper is on private family visitation for inmates. Private family visitation practices help the inmate because it reduces recidivism, helps control behavior, reduces violence in the prison and maintains ties with the family. Private family visitation should be given to inmates, because it helps the inmate, it can be used for behavior control, and it helps the family.

From the Paper
Inmate Family visitation Programs "Roughly 1.5 million children in this country have a parent in prison" (La Vigne, Davies, and Brazzell 1). Would these children benefit from private family visitation? Would inmates benefit from private family visitation, including sexual relationships with spouses? Do conjugal visits help maintain family relationships? Is the cost of having private family visitation worth the cost? These are important questions in looking at the pros and cons of private family visitations. Private family visitation should be given to inmates, because it helps the inmate, it can be used for behavior control, and it helps the family.

Tags:inmates, visitation, family

Abstract
This paper discusses a particular family and the problems within the family structure that are observable in the relationship between the sisters Terry and Maxine. The paper notes that, while the family has been guided for most of its existence by the mother of these siblings, the mother has died and the conflicts that have evolved throughout the family history between these two sisters have begun to affect the entire family. This is evident in the arguments over selling the house, the decision of the family to no longer have Sunday dinners and the severing of ties between family members after the mother's death.

Tags:structural, family, therapy

Abstract
The paper explains that family systems therapy is concerned with the family unit and how the members function with each other in the multiple systems that exist in order to build their relationships. The paper looks at how Coco and Courtney (1998) state that in family systems theory "families can be characterized on a continuum of differentiation levels" (p. 485) and these levels may include the emotional system, family projection, emotional cutoff, generational systems, sibling systems and societal systems (Coco & Courtney, 1998, p. 485). The paper discusses how the theory then considers that when tensions arise within the family they are generally caused by conflict that exists between two people, which is especially true in the occurrence of marital conflict (Coco & Courtney, 1998, p. 485). The paper describes how the theory calls on the counselor to evaluate where the tensions within the family exist, what factors are contributing to those factors and the most appropriate methods for addressing change in the family.

Tags:family, systems, theory

Abstract
The paper relates that families are complex, social organizations that must be addressed by the health professional with a systematic approach that suits the needs of the family itself. The paper posits that while nurses use a variety of assessment tools to collect information about a family, the 15 minute family interview is undoubtedly the most efficient approach to addressing the needs of a family (Kaakinen & Hanson, 2007, 216). The paper looks at how in a study conducted by Anne-Marie Martinez, Diana D'Artois and Janet Rennick, a pretest/posttest study was conducted in order to gauge the impact of the 15-minute family interview on the pediatric hospital admission process.

From the Paper
"Families are complex, social organizations that must be addressed by the health professional with a systematic approach that suits the needs of the family itself. While nurses use a variety of assessment tools to collect information about a family, the 15 minute family interview is undoubtedly the most efficient approach to addressing the needs of a family. (Kaakinen...)"

Tags:family, assessment, health

Abstract
This paper describes and analyzes family systems therapy, further pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of this therapeutic approach. First, the paper explores the premise behind family systems therapy. Then, it shows examines the self in relation to the family unit according to this perspective. Additionally, the paper addresses conflicts that may arise in a family when the system is not functioning properly. Next, the paper presents some critiques of family systems therapy. These are counterbalanced with the paper addressing strengths of this method. The paper concludes by stating that treating the family makes it easier to treat psychological conditions with a possible physiological component, like a tendency towards depression or manic depression within the family history.

From the Paper
"Family systems theory does hold that there is a need for a differentiation of the self--in fact, a lack of differentiation is one of the reasons many family members experience psychological instability (Differentiation of the self, 2009, Bowen theory). Marital conflict, dysfunction of one of the spouses, impairment of one of the children, and emotional distance are sources of conflict that can arise from a lack of self-differentiation, and are often interrelated. For example, a father might be an alcoholic because of his anxieties about being a provider for his family or perceived personal failures, which results in marital conflict, and the mother's compensation through over-involvement with her son. Tension escalation within the nuclear family system is reciprocal in such a formulation, although a feminist critic might state that such a systems analysis places equitable blame upon all family members, which is not necessarily 'fair' and does not really change negative social assumptions about gender roles in the nuclear family."

Tags:emotional systems, nuclear family, self concept, emotional growth, anger, differentiation

Abstract
This paper discusses how "The Family Crucible" is an insightful account of family relationships and of how our perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs affect our role as family members, spouses, children, and human beings. The paper relates that the book is also a fascinating look at how normal families undergo change, stress, and differences of opinion. The paper discusses the book's theme of structure and poignant moments, as well the what the writer believes are the book's weaknesses. The paper concludes that the techniques described in the book were insightful, pragmatic, and involved the entire family structure in the process and that it was extremely useful in developing the writer's own style of counseling the family.

From the Paper
"This initial conflict between Carolyn and Claudia was the focus of the first few chapters of the book. In light of the family's choice to appoint Claudia as the identified patient, the first order of business was to shift the Brices' focus from Claudia to their family system. A less skilled or experienced therapist may have very well depended on Claudia's previous diagnosis of schizophrenia. Doctors Napier and Whitaker quickly saw through this incorrect diagnosis, and began delving into the actual underlying causes of the family turmoil. In doing so, they investigated both David and Carolyn's families of origin. One's family of origin is their first group experience. This imperfect group environment is the petri dish that grows our skills in relating to things outside the family, and becoming an individual in our own right. Often, these imperfections follow us into relationships far beyond our family of origin. This was in large part the case with the Brice family. "

Tags:Brice, family, relationships

Abstract
The paper looks at several studies that argue that technology improves communication among families. The paper discusses the modern technologies that allow constant communication with family members, help children gain more independence, bridge distance gaps and improve family-school relationships. The paper reaches the conclusion that technology appears to be an excellent way to communicate with family members, however, it should not replace face-to-face communication.

Outline:
Does Technology Improve Family Communication?
Bridging Distance Gaps
Technology Fosters Independence
New Opportunities to Keep Tabs on Family Members
Improving Family-School Relationships
Conclusion

From the Paper
"There is no doubt about it--the way we communicate with our family members today has changed dramatically in recent years. Just a decade ago, text messaging, blogging, and emails were not methods of family communication. Today, they are widely used by families around the world. For example, parents use text messages to remind children of their curfews. Children send emails to their parents to give them their Christmas lists. College students use Web cameras to say good night to their family member who live hundreds of miles away. These are just a few of the many ways in which technology has changed the way families communicate with one another in today's modern world."

Tags:independence, family, school, Internet, email, texts

Abstract
This paper discusses the concept of family in light of various feminist views. The concept of the nuclear family as a white-supremacist view as well as concepts regarding Marx's and Engel's beliefs on feminism and family prior to Stalinism are also reviewed. Additional comments surround the three types of rights theorists view for Canada and the family - right-based for the individual family unit, state-based or community-based, depending on which view of family and family responsibility you have.

Tags:feminism, family, socialism

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the structure of the family in relation to the family power base. The writer notes that in homes where there are two parents and young children, the power base is generally decided upon gender, with the male making most of the family's primary decisions. The writer also discusses that the power base can alter in accordance to changes in circumstances and the family structure.

From the Paper
"In a home in which there is only one parent, that parent, regardless of gender is usually the power base within the family. Yet, as children age, grandparents move into the home, children attend college or the socioeconomic status of the family shifts, the power base may also change, making the individual with the most seniority, financial flow and wisdom the central power force in the home."

Tags:family, structure, power

Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of the family unit and the influence that family has on a child's life. The paper discusses the writer's family unit. It examines the boundaries, rules, rituals and traditions that apply to the writer's own family through his/her nuclear family and extended family relationships.

From the Paper
"Family Assessment Project A child's family is perhaps the single most important influence on his or her life. Children model their future relationships on those they see in childhood. They frequently carry the boundaries, rules, rituals, and traditions that they grew up with into the families that they head in maturity. The things that children carry into maturity can be both positive and negative, continuing on the heritage of a functional or dysfunctional family. This paper will examine the boundaries, rules, rituals, and traditions that apply to my own family through nuclear family and extended family relationships. My family of origin consisted of my mother, my father, one brother and three sisters. We had a close-knit family structure. It was essentially a closed family type, with rigid rules and predictable behavior. We did share affection with each other, but none of us were demonstrative in our affection."

Tags:sociology, family, assessment